Archived information

This Web page has been archived on the Web. Archived information is provided for reference, research or record keeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Archived

This unique claim settlement concluded with Bigstone Cree in 2010 is one of the largest in Canadian history and it also led to the creation of a new First Nation in northern Alberta – Peerless Trout First Nation.

Related Links

Transcript: A New Beginning for Bigstone Cree & Peerless Trout First Nations

Robert Moberly, Master of Ceremonies, Bigstone Cree Nation:

This is Bigstone Cree Nation territory…of course we all know today's a very historic event.

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development:

We are here today to sign the largest land claim settlement in the history of Alberta and one of the biggest settlement agreements in Canada.

Narrator:

Bigstone Cree Nation is based in Wabasca-Desmarais in Northern Alberta and includes the surrounding communities of Calling Lake and Chipewyan Lake and until recently Peerless Lake and Trout Lake.

In 1989 and again in 2000, the Bigstone Cree Nation filed claims with the government that dealt with broken treaty promises dating back to the late 1800s.

After complex negotiations, an agreement was reached in 2010.

This is the largest claim settlement in Alberta's history and it is unlike any other reached today in Canada as it includes money for new infrastructure. It is an example of what can be achieved when partners work together.

I'm proud of those people that have been working on it…a lot of them are gone…they're not with us anymore.

Narrator:

This claim settlement includes about $231 million from the federal government, extensive new infrastructure and 140,000 acres of Provincial Crown land to become new reserve land. Alberta's contribution was key to making this unique settlement possible.

Key Elements of the Settlement

Approximately $231 million from the Federal Government

Extensive New Infrastructure

140,000 Acres of Provincial Crown Land

The Honourable John Duncan Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development:

There will be new water and sewer distribution systems and a fire hall constructed in each community as well as new schools in Peerless Lake and Trout Lake.

These investments, complemented by additional infrastructure funding to be provided by the Province of Alberta, will mean a real and sustained investment in the quality of life in these communities.

Narrator:

With this settlement, the outlying communities of Calling Lake and Chipewyan Lake finally have their own reserves and elected representation on Bigstone Cree Nation Council.